Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly close to ending his footballing hiatus to become FIFA's new technical head.

The 69-year-old Frenchman's duties will include assisting with improvements in coaching while providing advice in other areas for the betterment of the sport, according to The New York Times' Tariq Panja.

Wenger's appointment is consistent with FIFA's attempts to fill senior positions with high-profile replacements. Former technical director and Dutch legend Marco van Basten, who left his post last October, and ex-deputy secretary general Zvonimir Boban, who returned to club football with AC Milan, have left two prominent positions vacant.

It's expected that Wenger will become the public face of FIFA's coaching initiatives and education programs.

Wenger, who left Arsenal in May 2018 after 22 seasons, had previously expressed an interest in returning to management. While with the north London lot, Wenger led the Gunners to three Premier League titles, including the famed "Invincibles" campaign of 2003-04, and a record seven FA Cups.

He's reportedly set to be unveiled by the world football governing body in the coming days.